Springer Completes First Tournament

Jul 03, 2012

Central Connecticut softball player Nicole Springer and Puerto Rico's women's national team completed their first tournament of the summer on Monday. Puerto Rico went 1-5 and finished fifth out of six teams at the event. Puerto Rico's win came over Brazil on Monday afternoon.

Springer pinch-hit in Monday's victory and was hit by a pitch. She stole second and then came around to score on a base hit. Springer played in all six games of the tournament and she reached base three times via hit-by-pitch and also had a base hit. She has scored a pair of runs and picked up an RBI.

After each of her team's tournament's Springer will check in with CCSUBlueDevils.com. Today, she checks in as her team travels to Vancouver for the Canadian Cup.

"So far my experience in international softball has been a good one. As a team we had a rocky start considering this was or first time playing together in such a short amount of time. However, we pulled together at the end and made the adjustments. My first game against Brazil, I was so anxious and excited to get in the batters box I forgot to breathe once I stepped in. Being in an environment with girls who share the same goals and dreams with a sport we have played for years is an amazing feeling. International ball is a much faster, stronger and more mental game than any level of ball one can play at.

When you put your jersey on before the game, the butterflies in your stomach start going and your blood starts pumping and you are wearing your countries name proudly across your chest regardless of the results at the end. I have amazing teammates and coaches around me constantly and everyone wants the same thing, to compete.

This tournament was one that for Puerto Rico may not have turned out how we wanted it to but the Canadian Cup and the World Championship are the tournaments where protection and execution are needed. I am very excited for the games we have ahead of us and playing more games against the best players in the world.

On a personally level, all I need to do is relax and things will happen."